This wall of photos is a really important feature for PT National. These are the many family and friends who believed in why, how and what we aspired to do many years ago in helping the lives of others through health and wellbeing, education and support.

A very important friend and his wife, Tim and Tara gave up many of their time to support founder Eric conduct video and photo shoots. They never asked for anything in return and were always happy to help a friend in need.

The time has come to repay the favour.

At age 33 Tim was recently diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia (AAS). Life can certainly change from the first time of not feeling the best back in Easter till now. Despite multiple blood tests, two bone marrow biopsies, and ongoing blood transfusions, while in isolation from risk of infection the family continues to be informed and take each day as it comes towards the next steps of a bone marrow transplant (BMT).

In Europe 2-4 cases in every 1 million people are diagnosed, and it is higher in Asia.

The register has found three compatible donors, which is reassuring.

What Eric has learned from this moment is the need to donate blood to keep our fellow Australians alive. Tim said it clearly, “my organs are fine, it’s just that my blood is not”. As Eric sat there at the hospital the ignorance of how important it is to donate blood came to light. Tim is receiving blood transfusions every 5 hours at the moment as of the weekend.

There was a great deal to learn from the passionate team at the Australian Red Cross in raising awareness to us as a community of helpers.

1 in 3 Australians will need blood, however, only 3% of the population donate blood. This statistic has remained consistent since 1996

The Red Cross volunteer blood transfusion service has been running for over 80 years

The magic number if 42. Donated blood can only last for 42 days

It takes less than 10 minutes to donate blood

Plasma donations is the new focus. It’s the good stuff. It is the single largest component of human blood, comprising about 55%, and contains water, salts, enzymes, antibodies and other proteins.

It takes around 45 minutes to donate, as your blood is filtered to remove the blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and other cellular components.

Please join Eric in donating blood for the first time and being on the register in 2018. This act in providing support to those in need through a blood donation would be much appreciated.